Prompting with Purpose: Helping Kids Learn While Building Independence, prompting strategies for parents

If you’ve ever read a book with a toddler, you’ve probably done some prompting without even realizing it.

"What’s this?" you ask, pointing to a duck. "Say quack!"

That, right there, is prompting in action.

As a caregiver, you are your child’s first teacher. And one of the most powerful tools you have is prompting, in other words: offering the right level of help to guide your child toward the correct response or behavior. When used effectively, prompting can support learning, reduce frustration, and build confidence.

What Is Prompting? 

Prompting is any cue or assistance given to help a child perform a behavior. In ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), we use prompts to teach new skills. Think:  how to ask for help, point to pictures, or tie shoes.

Prompts can be:

• Verbal ("Say 'more juice'")

• Gestural (pointing to an object)

• Modeling (showing the child what to do)

• Physical (gently guiding their hand)

• Visual (using a picture or schedule)

Why Prompting Matters 

Prompting isn’t about doing things for your child. It’s about helping them succeed until they can do it on their own.

When done right, prompts:

• Build confidence

• Prevent errors or frustration

• Create positive learning experiences

For example, if your child struggles to say the word “dog” when reading a book, you might model the word or show a visual cue. Once they respond, you celebrate,  because, let's face it, success, no matter how small, motivates more learning.

Fading Prompts: The Goal is Independence Prompting is a bridge and not a permanent solution. The key is to gradually fade prompts so your child learns to respond independently.

Ways to fade prompts:

• Move from physical to gestural to verbal

• Use time delay: wait a few seconds before prompting

• Provide less and less help over time

Tips for Using Prompts at Home

1. Be consistent – Use the same prompts when teaching new skills.

2. Reinforce immediately – Celebrate when your child responds correctly.

3. Watch your timing – Prompt right before they might get stuck.

4. Don’t prompt too quickly – Give them a chance to try.

5. Fade gradually – Too much help for too long can lead to prompt dependence.

   
   

Real-Life Examples from Story Time

• When reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, pause before turning the page and gesture toward the picture to prompt a label.

• During The Very Hungry Caterpillar, ask "What comes next?" and wait. If they struggle, offer a visual cue or model the answer.

• Reinforce attempts: "I love how you tried to say 'caterpillar'!"

Final Thoughts 

Prompting is more than a teaching technique, it’s an act of love and support. With gentle guidance and a plan to fade assistance over time, you’re not just helping your child learn, you’re helping them grow into confident, independent readers and thinkers.

Keep reading. Keep prompting. And keep celebrating every step forward.

prompting strategies for parents